Birmingham City defender Nev Herron wants to encourage more investment in women’s football in the North East.
Herron, 22, from Sunderland, won the WSL 2 Rising Star Award on Monday after helping Birmingham City gain promotion to the top flight as champions.
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Her team-mate Lily Crosthwaite, 24, also from the North East, won the WSL 2 Player of the Season award as Birmingham City beat Crystal Palace.
Both players were also named to the WSL 2 All-Season Team and shared honors with the top team’s All-Season Team.
“We had a moment on stage where we saw the other side of the baseline and there were some big-name players like [Manchester City’s] Vivian Miedema,” Herron said.
“We’ve got a minute to accept that. There’s a lot of talent in the north-east that’s been overlooked. It’s only going to get better as Newcastle and Sunderland are taken over. [by new owners Bay Collective].
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“Hopefully this will help encourage more investment into women’s football to support the growth of players there. We don’t just want one area of the country to grow.”
Herron featured in 21 of Birmingham City’s 22 games, including the final day as the Blues beat Charlton Athletic 2-0 to seal the title.
She left Sunderland after four years between 2019 and 2023 and has now spent three seasons in the Midlands.
“Since I left Sunderland and had new challenges, new experiences, I’ve been able to perform well,” Herron added. “I’m ready for a new challenge and the WSL. It’s always been an ambition of mine. Sometimes there aren’t that many opportunities in the North East.
“I moved away and sacrificed a lot – but I’m excited to see what I can achieve.”
